Summer in Hokkaido 14-day
Itinerary by Ping
a Hong Kong and Macau-based creative who loves traveling and Japanese culture, she has lived in Hokkaido for Japanese study and written a Chinese e-book about her precious journey.
Available on Readmoo http://moo.im/a/qtuOQY and Rakuten Kobo http://bit.ly/2Wp8i9t
Experience the vibrant beauty of Hokkaido in summer.
Begin your journey at New Chitose Airport, then relax at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Explore Obihiro, Furano, and Biei for breathtaking flower fields. Discover Sapporo's attractions and shopping. Don't miss the stunning views in Shakotan. Enjoy the delightful scenery, cuisine, and sake of Hokkaido's summer.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU Summer Fun
DAY 1
Departure ✈ New Chitose Airport → Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU → hal Restaurant
After arriving at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, we couldn't wait to head to Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU to enjoy a leisurely vacation. It was very convenient to reach the resort by bus or JR train from the airport. After a long journey, we checked into The Village Alpha apartment and took some time to rest in our room. We explored the room, which felt incredibly comfortable and relaxing, just like being at home.
Rambling in Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
It is very easy to reach the resort by taking a shuttle bus or JR from the airport. After the ride, let’s take a break to feel like home at our The Village Alpha apartment. And then you can take a walk outside, Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is surrounded by beautiful nature, you can see endless grasslands and forests covered with snow, at the same time listen to singing of the the breeze and birds, breathe the soul cleansing fresh air, and feel the harmony and tranquility of Mother Nature.
DAY 2
Unkai Terrace → Hotalu Street → Mina-Mina Beach → Chapel on The Water
Unkai Terrace
To witness the awe-inspiring sea of clouds and sunrise at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, waking up before dawn is a must! Take the UNKAI Gondola to the UNKAI Terrace and be amazed as the sun's rays illuminate the vast expanse of clouds. It's a dreamlike experience that justifies the early start! Enjoy the sea of clouds in six different ways, like the "Cloud Walk" or the "Cloud Bar." Check the cloud forecast and dress warmly for the chilly temperatures.
Hotalu Street
Head to Hotalu Street for lunch, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine, ramen shops, Italian-style eateries, to teppanyaki. There's even a restaurant that specializes in seafood rice bowls and offers a selection of GIN cocktails, as well as GARAKU, a famous soup curry chain in Sapporo! Indeed, every restaurant seems enticing, and it would be ideal to spend a few extra days to try them all.
Mina-Mina Beach
Mina-Mina Beach, Japan's largest indoor artificial wave pool, offers year-round enjoyment at a constant temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. You could swim, surf, or ride large inflatable swans, ensuring endless fun and unforgettable moments.
Chapel on the Water
Chapel on the Water is a piece of wonderful artwork that perfectly blending with nature. It is created by renowned architect Tadao Ando, he is using the natural elements of "water, light, green, and wind" to purify one’s soul.
DAY 3-4
Outdoor Activities →Forest Resturant → Kirin-no Yu Hot Spring
What a wonderful thing to be woken by the sunshine and the singing of the birds! Enjoy a simple breakfast in the apartment with a lush greenery view before heading for another fun day out.
Outdoor Activities
Spend 1 or 2 or more days indulging in your favorite outdoor activities! If you prefer tranquility, you might just relax at Hoshino Farm. If you're more adventurous, try canoeing, horseback riding, tree climbing, or even hot air ballooning. With a variety of options available, there's something for everyone, but make sure to book in advance for certain activities.
Forest Restaurant Nininupuri
I really recommend dining at the Forest Restaurant for a buffet experience. The food is fresh and delicious, and the dining environment is top-notch with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering beautiful forest views. It's a perfect way to feel connected with nature in the morning and enjoy a romantic atmosphere in the evening.
Kirin-no Yu
Chapel on the Water
After a full day of activities, there's nothing better than soaking yourself in an open air hot spring that is surrounded by a beautiful view of the surrounding forest, while enjoying the twinkling stars in the sky. What a very romantic and memorable experience!
DAY 5
Obihiro = Shiawase Station → Tokachi pork rice bowl → Rokkatei main store
It is about an hour drive to reach Obihiro from Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Our first stop is Shiawase Station.
Shiawase Station
Shiawase Station is an abandoned train station that has gained popularity due to its charming name, which means blessing in Japanese. The comic-like background with its orange train has become a popular spot for taking photos and has attracted many couples to come visit.
Tokachi pork rice
Obihiro is the birthplace of pork rice bowl. You must try the most famous Tokachi pork rice bowl when you come here! Near the Obihiro Station, there is a very famous shop called PANCHŌ that you must visit!
Rokkatei main store
Rokkatei is a famous Hokkaido souvenir brand, its hand-drawn floral packaging is its biggest selling point. This store in Obihiro is where it all started, it has two floors, with the upper floor for dining in. However it's recommended to do the shopping before you take your return flight at the airport so that you don’t have to carry the stuff throughout the trip.
DAY 6
Furano = Ningle Terrace → Farm Tomita Lavender Fields →Shirogane Blue Pond → Shirahige Waterfall → Shikisai-no-Oka (Shikisai Hill) → Asahikawa City
Leaving The Village Alpha where they stayed for 6 nights, we drove to Furano and Asahikawa and stayed overnight in Asahikawa City.
Ningle Terrace
Located in the forest next to the Prince Hotel in Shin Furano, the Ningle Terrace is a collection of unique and fairy-tale-like small wooden houses. These houses are souvenir shops that sell handmade crafts featuring the distinctive local culture of Furano. The dreamlike ambiance is making visitors feel like being inside a magical fairy tale world.
Farm Tomita Lavender Fields
Furano's lavender fields are a quintessential summer scene. Farm Tomita is a popular Resort to admire the expansive 15-hectare lavender fields, offering a captivating experience. The fields, along with colorful flower patches, provide ample opportunities for beautiful photographs.
Shirogane Blue Pond
觀光
The Shirogane Blue Pond is a must-visit scenic spot at least once in a lifetime. Its mysterious and captivating blue color reflects the dead trees and blue sky-white clouds standing on the edge of the pond, creating a unique and breathtaking view that even became one of the signature wallpapers for Apple computers.
Shirahige Waterfall
The Shirahige Waterfall in Biei's Shirogane Onsen area is the origin of the Shirogane Blue Pond. Water cascades down the rocks, resembling long white hair, and merges into the crystal-clear blue waters of the Biei River. The waterfall is particularly breathtaking in winter when the rocks and trees are blanketed in pristine white snow.
Shikisai-no-Oka (Shikisai Hill)
At Shikisai-no-Oka, you'll continue your flower journey with an abundance of floral varieties. The rolling hills of flowers, accompanied by the backdrop of distant mountains, offer picturesque views at every turn. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or hop on the NOROCCO sightseeing vehicle to explore the gardens. Don't miss the charming alpaca ranch, a delightful addition to your visit.
DAY 7
Asahiyama Zoo → Hokuryu Sunflower Village → Sapporo
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo features a wide variety of animals and allows visitors to observe the animals in their most natural state. Don't miss the unique feeding shows, which are particularly popular with the polar bears, penguins, and seals. After visiting the zoo, you can also drive to the nearby Asahikawa Ramen Village for some delicious ramen before resting at a hotel in Asahikawa City.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village
Asahiyama Zoo features a wide variety of animals and allows visitors to observe the animals in their most natural state. Don't miss the unique feeding shows, which are particularly popular with the polar bears, penguins, and seals. After visiting the zoo, you can also drive to the nearby Asahikawa Ramen Village for some delicious ramen before resting at a hotel in Asahikawa City.
DAY 8
Sapporo = Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, Sapporo Clock Tower -> Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade -> Mount Moiwa -> GARAKU Soup Curry
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, Sapporo Clock Tower
When visiting the JR Tower, you will notice an eye-catching red brick building, the former Hokkaido Government Office Building that was built in 1888. It is listed as an important cultural heritage building by the Japanese government and is open to visitors free of charge. The Sapporo Clock Tower nearby is also over 100 years old, it was built in American architectural style and it served as the Sapporo Agricultural College a long time ago.
Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
For tourists who love shopping, Sapporo has a one-kilometer-long shopping street with over 200 shops. There are many drug stores and souvenir shops in this area, as well as large-scale discount stores like Don Quijote and Daiso, where visitors can find a wide variety of high-quality Japanese goods at affordable prices.
Mount Moiwa
The night view on Mount Moiwa is one of Japan's three most charming night views. Visitors can enjoy the entire Sapporo city from the observation deck at the peak, which stands at an altitude of 531 meters. The endless lights of Sapporo sparkle and twinkle, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
GARAKU Soup Curry
Soup curry is a must-try signature dish of Sapporo. It is a curry dish served in a soup-like form and has a spicy flavor with the aroma of meat. It is usually served with meat, seafood, or vegetables as a topping. GARAKU, located near Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, is a popular restaurant among tourists. They offer soup curry with 40 levels of spiciness to choose from. A level 5 spiciness is usually considered moderate, allowing customers to enjoy the deliciousness of the curry soup and the freshness of the toppings, and even drink the soup to the last drop.
DAY 9
Hokkaido Shrine → Morihiko Coffee → Shiroi Koibito Park → Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower
Hokkaido Shrine
The Hokkaido Shrine was built in 1871 and is located in Maruyama Park in Sapporo City. It is the largest shrine in Hokkaido. Although the shrine is not very large, it is a great place to visit and offer your prayers with sincerity. Additionally, visitors can also take a leisurely stroll in Maruyama Park while they are there.
Morihiko Coffee
Nestled in an ordinary alley way, located near Maruyama Park, there is a lush green wooden house named Morihiko Coffee. The cafe is renovated from an old traditional Japanese house, retaining its original layout and decorated with a nostalgic atmosphere. Morihiko Coffee serves freshly roasted coffee beans that are rich in aroma and taste.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Cookies are one of the most famous souvenirs from Hokkaido. It's worth going to the Shiroi Koibito Park to learn more about them. The park has a beautiful European-style garden, with colorful flowers in the summer and a themed light show in the winter. Inside the buildings, there are exhibition halls where you can observe the cookie-making process, as well as several children's play areas.
Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower
Odori Park is a long and narrow park in Sapporo that stretches for 1.5 kilometers. It is an important recreation area for locals, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held there every year. At its eastern end, there is the striking red Sapporo TV Tower, a well-known landmark in Sapporo. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Odori Park from the observation deck at the top of the tower. If you visit during the Christmas season, be sure not to miss the Munich Christmas Market held here.
DAY 10
Otaru = Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street → Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line → Otaru River Canal → Mount Tenguyama
Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
The buildings on both sides of the street retain the characteristics of the Taisho and Showa periods, with both Western and Japanese styles, reflecting Otaru's history as a place where Eastern and Western cultures blended. There are many souvenir shops, restaurants and boutiques, offering a wide range of options for both dining and shopping.
Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line
All of a sudden, a small section of railway track appears on a street. It turns out to be a relic of the first railway built in Hokkaido in 1880. It is quite unique and has significant historical meaning, serving as a witness to the once-thriving era of this place.
Otaru River Canal
Otaru was once the financial and trading center of Hokkaido, and the Otaru Canal is a testament to the prosperous commercial and transportation history of the area. Although only a small portion of the canal remains today, the warehouses along the canal have been converted into shops. Many movies have been filmed at the Otaru Canal, the most famous of which is probably "Love Letter" directed by Shunji Iwai.
Mount Tenguyama
Mount Tengu-yama is the place where the female lead in the movie Love Letter shouts, "How are you?". It is a mountain that enshrines the deity Tengu. People come to worship and touch Tengu's nose, which is said to ward off evil spirits. Climbing to the top of the mountain offers a wonderful view of Otaru city, and the night view from here is one of the top three night views in Hokkaido.
DAY 11
Yoichi =Yoichi Distillery → Shakotan Peninsula
Yoichi Distillery
Yoichi is a small town known worldwide for its whisky. The Nikka Whisky brand, founded by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, is based here. The Yoichi Distillery, which includes a working distillery, offers various exhibition halls and a tour of Taketsuru's former residence. Grab the chance to visit the free tasting bar and sample the exceptional whiskies!
Shakotan Peninsula
Shakotan Peninsula boasts two famous capes: Shimamui Coast and Kamui Misaki. Shimamui Coast is part of Japan's Top 100 Coastlines, while Kamui Misaki, known as the Cape of the Gods, offers stunning views, was once considered a forbidden place for women and offers breathtaking views.
DAY 12
ECORIN Village → Sapporo Beer Museum
ECORIN Village
Ecorin Village, located in Eniwa City, is a hidden gem just a half-hour drive from Sapporo. It features the world's largest tomato tree, a fascinating Guinness World Record attraction. You can also enjoy the company of adorable alpacas and other animals freely roaming the expansive ranch. The ranch's small theater also hosts regular animal shows, adding to the overall experience.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Visit the renowned Sapporo Beer Museum in Sapporo and indulge in a variety of beer flavors. The museum is housed in the historic "Kaitakushi" building, which was later converted into a brewery. Moreover, there are numerous restaurants and food stalls within the museum, and across the street, you'll find a large department store.
DAY 13
Hokkaido University, Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University → Sapporo JR Tower, Ramen Republic → Jingisukan
Hokkaido University, Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University
Hokkaido University is very popular amongst tourists. In the summer, the campus is lush with a large green space of trees and grass, and a small river flowing gently, making it easy to forget you are in the middle of a city. Nearby is the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden, which cultivates 4,000 species of plants and has a rich collection of animal specimens in its museum.
Sapporo JR Tower, Ramen Republic
JR Sapporo Station is connected to four shopping centers: PASEO, ESTA, STELLAR PLACE, and APIA, making it one of the largest and most fashionable shopping complexes in Japan. You can find everything from trendy clothing and accessories to home appliances. For those who love ramen, the 10th floor is the Sapporo Ramen Republic, where you can taste the rich and flavorful Hokkaido-style ramen.
Jingisukan
Jingisukan is a Japanese grilled mutton dish prepared on a convex metal skillet, it is a specialty food in Sapporo. It is said to have been brought to Japan from northeastern China and then further developed in Hokkaido. At Matsuo Jingisukan near Sapporo Station, you can enjoy a set meal of lamb meat from four different parts of the animal. The meat is tender and juicy, and the juices and fat released during grilling mix with the vegetables, adding even more flavor to the dish!
DAY 14
Hakodate Airport ✈ Home
Hakodate Airport
Before you leave, consider arriving at the airport half a day early to explore! New Chitose Airport is a fantastic entertainment and shopping complex where you can indulge in great food, shopping, and leisure activities, completely changing your perception of airports. On the third floor, there is Smile Road, a connecting pathway between domestic and international terminals, which features themed attractions such as Doraemon, Hello Kitty, and Sanrio, bringing out the childlike wonder in everyone. On the second floor of the domestic terminal, you'll find a gathering of popular desserts, local delicacies, and souvenirs from all over Hokkaido, including a direct sales market for Hokkaido specialty products. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on anything you may have missed before heading back home!